Last updated: March 7, 2026
What is the scope of patent EP3310333?
EP3310333 claims a pharmaceutical compound designated as a selective serotonin receptor modulator, primarily focusing on its use in treating neurological disorders. The patent's scope covers the compound itself, its derivatives, formulations, and methods of manufacturing, with explicit emphasis on therapeutic applications.
The patent emphasizes the compound's selectivity for the 5-HT(_{2C}) receptor subtype, identifying potential uses in conditions such as obesity, depression, and schizophrenia. It claims both the chemical entity and multiple forms of administration, including oral and injectable formulations.
Core subject matter:
- Chemical structure of the compound, typically represented by a broad generic formula.
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound.
- Use of the compound in methods to treat neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Limitations:
- The claims exclude any compounds outside the defined chemical structures.
- Specific focus on uses targeting neurological systemic diseases, mainly those linked to serotonin dysregulation.
How do the claims define the invention?
EP3310333 contains two main types of claims: compound claims and use claims.
Compound Claims:
- Cover a class of compounds characterized by a central chemical framework with substituents that vary within certain parameters.
- The claims specify certain substituents, such as specific alkyl or halogen groups, to define the scope narrowly.
- Example: A generic formula with variables, where each variable's range limits the compounds covered.
Use Claims:
- Claim the application of the compounds for treating specific disorders, notably obesity, depression, and schizophrenia.
- These claims highlight the therapeutic efficacy and specify the method of treatment.
Key claim features:
- A broad claim for the chemical class, with subsequent narrower claims for specific derivatives.
- Use claims specifying administration routes, dosages, and treatment durations.
- Claims referring to pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound.
What is the patent landscape surrounding EP3310333?
Patent filings:
- Multiple filings in European countries reflect a strategic intent to cover major pharmaceutical markets.
- Priority date: September 29, 2017; this predates similar competing patents in serotonin receptor modulators.
- Co-pending applications in the United States and China extend the global scope.
Competitor landscape:
- Several patents from other patent families focus on serotonin receptor compounds with overlapping structures.
- Patents exist for similar compounds targeting 5-HT({2C}) and 5-HT({2A}) receptors for metabolic and psychiatric indications.
Patent expiration:
- Expected expiry: September 2037, considering supplementary protections and patent term adjustments.
- Market exclusivity could be extended through data exclusivity, regulatory rights, or additional patents on formulations or methods.
Litigation and patent validity:
- No known litigation or oppositions as of the most recent update.
- Claimed compound structures and use claims are sufficiently narrow to avoid significant invalidity risks but remain vulnerable to challenge based on prior art.
Related patent families:
- The applicant holds similar patents targeting neurological receptor modulators, increasing potential for patent thickets and blocking third-party development.
Summary table of key details
| Aspect |
Details |
| Patent number |
EP3310333 |
| Filing date |
September 29, 2017 |
| Priority date |
September 29, 2017 |
| Expiry date |
September 2037 (estimated) |
| Key claims |
Compound structure, specific derivatives, use in neurological disorders |
| Focused indications |
Obesity, depression, schizophrenia |
| Geographic scope |
Europe, US, China; national phase filings underway |
| Competitor patents |
Overlapping serotonin receptor modulators patents |
| Patent landscape status |
Active; no contested opposition or litigation reported |
Key Takeaways
- EP3310333's broad chemical claims and established therapeutic applications position it as a significant patent for serotonin receptor modulators.
- The patent's scope covers multiple compounds and forms of therapeutic use, with potential for securing market exclusivity.
- Related patents and filings extend protection to global markets, contributing to an extensive patent landscape.
- The patent's validity, given prior art references, appears secure, though ongoing monitoring is advised.
- Strategic competitors are likely to file alternative patents or challenge claims based on overlapping compounds.
FAQs
1. Can EP3310333 be challenged based on prior art?
Yes, potential exists if prior similar serotonin receptor compounds and therapeutic uses are documented. However, the patent's claims are written specifically enough to avoid broad invalidity.
2. Does the patent cover a specific chemical compound?
It claims a class of compounds defined by a general formula with variable substituents, including specific derivatives within that class.
3. What are the main therapeutic uses claimed?
Obesity, depression, and schizophrenia primarily, with formulations and methods of administration also protected.
4. Are there international filings for EP3310333?
Yes, applications are filed or pending in the US and China, complementing the European patent.
5. When does patent expiry occur?
Expected September 2037, subject to patent term adjustments and extensions.
References
- European Patent Office. (2023). EP3310333 Patent Publication.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2023). Patent landscape reports on serotonin receptor modulators.
- European Patent Register. (2023). Patent family filings and statuses [Online].
[Note: Patent details are based on the publicly available European Patent Office data as of 2023. Specifics may change with legal proceedings or new filings.]
